N.Z. LABOR PARTY

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 3394, 9 December 1911, Page 3

N.Z. LABOR PARTY

— THE GISBORNE BRANCH.

ANNUAL MEETING

The first annual meeting of the Gisborne branch of the New Zealand Labor Party was held in Towncly’s Hall last eveming. Mr. G. Bartlett presided, and there was a- good attendance. The annual report stated that the first loss the branch had l sustained was through tho death of Mr. T. Jackson, and it was felt not only by the branch, but by all who know his noble character. He was one that a Labor Party could ill afford to lose.

Continuing, the report showed that a syllabus of debates was prepared, and several profitable, evenings were spent discussing various topics. Then a further move was made by establishing an economic class. and a speakers’ training class, but the attendance was not encouraging. A very interesting debate was held between the Independent Order of Rechabites and l the branch, and later a debate was also held with members of the Methodist P.S.A.

The most important success of the branch was its instrumentality in getting the rating on unimproved value adopted by the Borough of Gisborne. Many ratepayers no doubt in the near future when they fully realised tho benefits of this reform, would show their gratitude to the Party in a practical manner. During the short history of the branch they had contested three municipal elections and one Harbor Board election. At the first municipal election they were successful in returning Mr. T. Jackson with a. good majority, but in tho succeeding byelection and also in the Harbor Board election, their candidates were not nearly so successful. However, each time the branch had contested elections they had gained ground by adding converts to their principles. ‘Owing to Mr J. C. E. Turner contesting tho Harbor Board election the branch was not represented at the Last conference of the N.Z. Labor Party. An extraordinary vacancy occurred on the Hospital and Charitable Aid Board, through the resignation of the Rev. Wm. Lamb. Mr D. W. Coleman’s name was submitted to the Borough Council as a successor, hut the Council selected a councillor to fill the vacancy. The branch recently carried a resolution to tho effect that they would contest the Parliamentary election, and Mr A. H. Anderson was selected as their candidate, hut owing to certain rumors being circulated which he considered detrimental to his candidature, he was granted leave to withdraw, and the branch took no further action in regard to the election. Several attempts had been made to increase the membership of the branch, ond a deputation had waited on the Trade and Labor Unions hut they met with a poor response. This problem would have to receive deeper consideration and stronger endeavors would have to be mr.de before this braneTi could hope to attain any prestige in this district. ‘ ”

The report was adopted. The principles of Professor Mill's unitv scheme were discussed at length ••nd adopted. The following officers were elected : President, Mr J. H. Hall; vice-presi-dent, Mr Gil. Inglis; secretory, Mr G. Bartlett; treasurer, Mr R. A. Clark; trustees. Messrs D. W. Coleman and Ed. Muncey; auditors. Messrs Ansell and Haycock: executive, Messrs Coleman. Turner, Mead, Muncey and Clark.